Turning 18 is a milestone for India’s youth; it gives them the power of adult franchise, making them stakeholders in the country’s political process. Unfortunately, recent data from the Election Commission of India show that a majority of India’s first-time voters are not keen on exercising their electoral right. Out of the projected population of current first-time voters of 4.9 crore, a little more than 1.8 crore — hardly 38% — have registered themselves on the electoral rolls for this general election. Interestingly, the state-wise distribution of such voters reveals an uneven pattern. Bihar, which has the country’s youngest population, has recorded only 17% enrolment, while Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra have seen 23% and 27% young voters’ registration, respectively. Telangana, India’s youngest state, may have a rich harvest, with more than two-thirds of its 12 lakh population of first-time voters on the electoral rolls. But this does not compensate for the fact that more than 10 states, including those in the Northeast, will have less than half of its youngest voters participating in the elections.
The paucity of first-time voter registration is not new. According to the ECI, 29.49% of those in the 18-19 age bracket had registered to vote before the last general election. A number of speculative inferences have been drawn to explain the political apathy of young voters. It is argued that they find it difficult to relate to political leaders whose average age is above 50. There are often gaps in campaigns to raise voters’ awareness. Further, large chunks of first-time voters may be stationed out of their home states on account of their pursuit of educational and employment opportunities and often find it difficult to return to their designated constituencies to cast their votes. Another significant factor explaining the low enrolment of first- time voters on the electoral list is their cynicism with the political process. Incidentally, the Indian youth is by no means an exception in this aspect. A recent survey has revealed that fewer voters under the age of 30 plan to vote in the upcoming presidential election in the United States of America. The low presence of the young voter is inimical to their cause and to democracy. Youth issues may not get adequate representation in policy-making unless the voice of the young can be heard loud enough at the hustings. Poor participation among first-time voters in elections is also suggestive of their disinclination to enter politics. That is indicative of the larger failure of Indian democracy to mine its demographic dividend.
